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Slang in 1920s

Slang is informal language used in casual conversation, often specific to certain cultures or groups, and can be playful and creative. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, was marked by economic growth, cultural flourishing, social changes, and technological advances, ending with the stock market crash of 1929. Various slang terms from this era reflect themes of Prohibition, cultural shifts, and mass media, illustrating the vibrant and dynamic nature of the decade.

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31 views2 pages

Slang in 1920s

Slang is informal language used in casual conversation, often specific to certain cultures or groups, and can be playful and creative. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, was marked by economic growth, cultural flourishing, social changes, and technological advances, ending with the stock market crash of 1929. Various slang terms from this era reflect themes of Prohibition, cultural shifts, and mass media, illustrating the vibrant and dynamic nature of the decade.

Uploaded by

mik606.2002
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is slang?

Slang is a type of informal language that people use in casual conversation. It often includes words
or phrases that are new, trendy, or specific to certain places, or cultures. It also may refer to the
language exclusively used by the members of particular groups in order to establish group identity,
exclude outsiders, or both. Slang can be playful, creative, and sometimes hard to understand if
you’re not familiar with it.

1920s - The Roaring Twenties:


Introduction to the Roaring Twenties:
The dynamic decade that followed the World War I, particularly in the United States and parts of
Europe. It can be characterised by:
• Economic Boom – Rapid industrial growth, mass production (especially in automobiles),
and consumerism.
• Cultural Flourishing – The Jazz Age, with jazz music and dance becoming wildly popular,
and the Harlem Renaissance, celebrating African American culture and arts.
• Social Changes – Shifts in gender roles, with women gaining more independence and the
right to vote.
• Prohibition – The U.S. banned alcohol from 1920s to early 1930s, leading to a rise in
organized crime.
• Technological Advances – Widespread use of the radio, cinema (including the rise of
Hollywood), and new household appliances
It all came to an end with the stock market crash of 1929, which triggered the Great Depression.

Can you guess the meaning of slang related to...


• Prohibition:
◦ Giggle Water – means alcoholic beverage
◦ Juice Joint – an illegal bar or nightclub operating during the prohibition.
◦ Bootlegger – someone who illegally made or sold alcohol.
◦ Chicago typewriter – Thompson submachine gun
◦ G-man – government agent, especially FBI agents who went after bootleggers.
◦ Red Eye – raw, cheap and low-quality whiskey, potentially containing a noticeable
amount of methanol.
◦ Speakeasy – a place to sell illegal alcoholic beverages.
◦ Century - 100$
• Cultural and Social Changes:
◦ Flapper – young, rebellious women who challenged traditional norms with their fashion,
behaviour, and attires
◦ Gold/Glad Rags – fancy clothes worn on a night out.
◦ Hotsy-Totsy – used to describe someone or something as pleasing, attractive or excellent
or a situation that is enjoyable and fun.
◦ The Cat’s Meow – the way of saying that something is “the best” or “the greatest”
◦ Bee’s Knees – An extraordinary person, thing or idea.
◦ Cash or check – Do we kiss now or later?
◦ Red – A communist, socialist, Bolshevik, anarchist.
◦ Declaration of Independence - divorce
• Mass media:
◦ On the Level – used to indicate that someone is being truthful and not misleading.
◦ On the Air – broadcasting live
◦ Silver Screen – a poetic nickname for cinema, referencing the actual screens in movie
theatres
◦ Hooey – nonsense or exaggeration, often used to describe advertising claims
◦ Ballyhoo – flamboyant or sensational promotion, especially in show business or
advertising
◦ Talkies – films with sound
◦ Ducat – a coin or a ticket to a performance
◦ Edisoned – questioned or interrogated.

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